Marshalls stand guard at civic body meetings

A couple of security guards standing in front of the House venue during municipal corporation meetings is a common sight.

However, security personnel in an all-black attire are a latest addition as ex-servicemen, employed as part of the enforcement cell of the three municipal corporations of Delhi, have started attending House meetings of the north corporation. These marshalls will keep an eye on the proceedings and escort unruly councillors out.

"Wherever the corporation staff goes to conduct an operation, we accompany them to keep a tab on security. Be it dismantling of illegal hoarding boards or some other kind of enforcement. Now we will also be present at the meetings of the north corporation," Rajinder Singh, one of the personnel on duty at a House meeting on Monday said.

The move has been initiated by Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna after an incident of alleged misbehaviour was reported on January 21.

Barely a few minutes had passed after the start of a House meeting of the North corporation when the Congress councillors entered the well to protest on an issue. Three women BJP councilors alleged that Congress councillor Devender Singh misbehaved with them while shouting slogans. Congress councillor Guddi Devi even accused BJP member Ram Kishan Bansiwal of passing a racial comment and showing "indecent gestures" towards her during the House proceedings.

A BJP delegation led by Mayor Mira Aggarwal met Khanna and demanded adequate security in the House. In return, he agreed to post 10 marshals in the corporation meetings in order to maintain law and order.